NOVEMBER 2007 -- Honda is recalling 410 MY 2008 Ridgeline vehicles. The hole in the sheet metal front bulkhead that serves as the base and pivot point for the hood support rod was not punched to specification. The hood support rod may fail to hold the hood in position due to insufficient strength. If the hood support rod hole fails, the hood could fall increasing the risk of injury. Dealers will inspect the prop rod base hole and, if necessary, install reinforcement parts free of charge. Honda telephoned all owners on November 26, 2007, asking them to bring their vehicles in to their dealers for inspection. A followup letter will be mailed during January 2008. 07V542

NEWS:    Engine problems force Honda recall

WASHINGTON - March 19, 2007 - Honda Motor Corp. said Monday that it was recalling about 165,000 vehicles from the 2005-06 model years in the United States to deal with potential engine problems

Honda said the recall affected 2005 models of the Acura RL, TL and TSX sedans, 2005 Honda Accord coupes, sedans and hybrids, 2005 Odyssey minivans and 2006 Ridgeline trucks.

The move is part of a global recall because of similar problems, said Honda spokesman Chris Martin. Details on the total number of vehicles and the number of countries where the vehicles were sold were not immediately available, he said.

Martin said the automaker discovered that sealer material leaked onto a coil wire inside the fuel pump relay on some of the vehicles. The wire can become brittle and snap, causing the engine to stall or fail to start.